Census!
The books: www.wecountkids.org/ebooks
Free with promo code: Download
You can read all 15 versions of WE COUNT! in book-like (and adorable) story books online, or download the PDF. Feel free to share the address with teachers, partners and families. If you want to embed the books on your OWN website or social media it is not hard to do - give us a holler and we are happy to help !
Activities: www.wecountkids.org/we-count-pdfs
Free with promo code: Download
Kids can color their own WE COUNT! book if you share the link with families. Want to embed it in your site? Want us to print and ship copies to you? Call! We are happy to help!
Teacher's/Parent's Guide
www.wecountkids.org/we-count-pdfs
These early numeracy activities need teacher/parent guidance.
In case anyone is thinking about making their own masks:
https://youtu.be/hFLIhGYDQA4
Things for the kids to do when they are out of school.
https://www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/virtual-museum
https://storytimefromspace.com/
https://www.penguinclassroom.com/
https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/03/activities-kids-coronavirus-quarantine/608110/
17 Apps to Help Kids Stay FocuseApps That Act Like Math and Science Tutors for Homework Help
25 dance games (you might need to buy a special control from Amazon).
Apps, websites, and video games
https://www.harpercollins.com/childrens/harper-at-home/?
utm_source=Publishers+Weekly&utm_campaign=7f4deea3fb-Abrams+-+PWD+-+20170530_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0bb2959cbb-7f4deea3fb-306845093
https://www.readbrightly.com/?
ref=PRH4FB919F7ADC0&linkid=PRH4FB919F7ADC0&cdi=23CF0FA8F3402BF3E0534FD66B0A902E&template_id=16097&aid=randohouseinc9840-20
https://freedomhomeschooling.com/virtual-field-trips/?
fbclid=IwAR3aXQjoxslMt1WPHofcQrD8q5oXC_vKWNTBVdapP9vQ_Z7tGIFcU-0022c
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/free-online-events-activities-kids-at-home-coronavirus? j=7711684&sfmc_sub=170626408&l=2048712_HTML&u=143747069&mid=6409703&jb=891&utm_source=covid19_freeactivities_20200323&utm_medium=email
https://www.khanacademy.org/about/blog/post/611770255064350720/remote-learning-with-khan-academy-during-school
http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/astronomy-and-space/218-sky-heroes-an-activity-reinventing-the-constellations.html
https://kids.scholastic.com/kids/books/dav-pilkey-at-home/
https://www.tabletwise.com/class/category/free
Youth and Adults
https://www.laphamsquarterly.org/roundtable/viral-news
Free Educational Apps, Games, and WebsitesTop Time-Management Apps
tips for taking in rapidly changing news
meditation apps for kids and families
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hope-resilience/202003/how-talk-your-kids-about-covid-19
https://www.bookbyte.com/blog/productivity-tips-for-studying-from-home-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic?
utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=studyFromHomeTipsMAR2020
https://archive.org/details/nationalemergencylibrary
Many free online educational resources are available to support student learning. This includes otherwise paid resources which have been available at no cost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Below is a list of some notable resources:
Common Sense Launches New Online Resource
Today we're launching a brand-new, free online resource to support families and educators who are transitioning to remote learning as a result of the coronavirus: Wide Open School. Why? There are so many online resources to support kids' educational, emotional, and physical development that Common Sense editors are noticing yet another challenge for parents and educators: How can you find high-quality resources quickly, easily, and in one place?
Curated and coordinated by the experts at Common Sense, Wide Open School is the result of a collaboration among leading publishers, nonprofits, and education and technology companies. Wide Open School features a free collection of the best learning experiences and activities for kids, organized by grade band and subject. You will also find daily schedules with creative breaks and recommendations to keep kids engaged and exploring, one day (or one hour) at a time.
We know that Wide Open School can only fulfill its mission if all kids and families can access it; Common Sense is committed to ensuring connectivity now. And, as always, we will continue to offer guidance and support as you navigate privacy and safety in all you do online.
We, along with our partners, are proud to bring you this new offering to support kids during this critical period. Please visit Wide Open School to take advantage of the best resources available for kids right now.
Go to Wide Open School
Free Access for Patrons to BookBrowse's Premium Content until the End of May
BookBrowse is your guide to exceptional books, providing you with all you need to know about the books that matter.
To enjoy full access to all of BookBrowse for two months:
Valid through May 2020
Starting 3/18/20, LibraryThing.com, both on the web and using our cataloging app, are free to all, to add as many books as you want. And, no, we’re not going to add ads. (We will keep showing a few Google ads to visitors, but they vanish as soon as you become a member.)
At any time you may visit https://extension.illinois.edu/global/digital-webinars-and-training for the most current listing of webinars.
Food Nutrition
How to Keep Kids Learning When You're All Stuck at Home
Quick tips
Manage your expectations. Your kids will not be learning at the same pace or breadth as a usual school day. Figure two to three hours a day to start. Don't stress too much about this.
Make time for breaks and fun. All of us are anxious as we manage this new reality, so take any opportunity to relax and laugh together. It will make the hard stuff easier.
Set a schedule. Get everyone on the same page so you don't have to nag. Routines can be comforting for everyone.
Review schools' plans. In some cases, schools will have a very specific education plan during closures. Use their instructions as a guide for setting up your schedule.
Morning
Math. About 30 minutes.
Watch a Khan Academy lesson and practice. If your math skills aren't what they used to be, visit Khan Academy's FAQ for tips on how to help your kid with math or get them started on self-directed learning. Here is their Quick Start Guide if you're ready to jump in.
Other math resources:
Reading. 30-60 minutes.
If your kid has a book they're reading in English class, make some progress on that. If not, choose one for fun. If you can't leave the house, Libby connects you to your local library. Punch in your library card number and you have access to a wide range of ebooks kids can access on their Kindle, tablet, or computer.
Other reading apps:
Physical education. 30-60 minutes.
Ideally you can get outside and go for a walk or throw a ball around. But if you're stuck indoors, you can follow along to YouTube exercise videos, set up an obstacle course, do some yoga or stretching, or try jumping jacks.
Just Dance 2020 helps tweens and teens work up a sweat while listening to favorite music (you'll need a game console to play it). It has some mature lyrics, so choose something different if that's a concern. More ideas:
Midday
Connect with friends. 30-60 minutes.
Tweens and teens thrive on social connections, so make sure to keep these going even if you aren't allowing in-person time. If they're already on popular social platforms, this might be the time to re-negotiate any time limits so they can get their social fix virtually.
Houseparty is a group video-chat tool that, when used appropriately, can be a fun way for friends to connect and catch up. Other picks:
Afternoon
Creative time. 90-120 minutes.
Bring out the pens and paper! This can be a nice chunk of time off screens. Whatever your kid is into—piano, papier-mâché, playwriting—this is the perfect opportunity to let loose. Of course, there are lots of ways media and tech can support these interests if you choose.
YouTube has an endless amount of instructional content, including music lessons, DIY creators, painting (gotta love Bob Ross!), and more. Keep younger kids in family spaces so you can make sure they are finding quality content. More choices:
Chores. 15-30 minutes.
Every family has a different way of managing household responsibilities. But if you're finding this to be a particularly challenging time to get your kids to help out, you can try some apps that can help them stay organized and give some incentives.
Brili Routines is a task manager with a simple interface that works well for kids who need a little extra push to complete their daily tasks. Parents set up the tasks and then switch to the kid profile before turning it over. Kids earn rewards and learn to better manage their time. Other options:
Evening
Family time
When kids are stressed, they're going to need even more chances to chill out, so this might be a time to relax rules about entertainment media. And while tweens and teens don't always tell you that they need your support, they do. Watching movies or playing games together can be an easy way to be together in a low-stress way. Here are some ideas.
Jackbox Party Packs are collections of games that groups can play using individual devices (phones, tablets, laptops). You can download the game via providers such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Comcast Xfinity X1, and the game network Steam—and then play it from the couch. You can even invite friends and family from afar to join the game while video-chatting. Also try:
Other resources
Helping kids stay focused
If you're concerned that your kid won't be able to stay on task while doing online work, you may need to get some tech help. Here are some options:
Animals
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s Home Safari Events
Each weekday, starting at 2 p.m. Central time, the Cincinnati Zoo will introduce one of their animals, and include an activity to do at home. Go to Cincinnati Zoo’s Facebook page for the Facebook Live event.
Animal Webcams
Aquarium of the Pacific Webcams
The Aquarium of the Pacific has live images of sharks, sea jellies, fish, and penguins
Monterey Bay Aquarium Webcams
Check in on sea otters, moon jellies, open sea creatures, or a kelp forest.
Houston Zoo Webcams
Watch giraffes, gorillas, elephants, and more
San Diego Zoo Webcams
Live and recorded webcams of pandas, penguins, koalas, and other animals
Virtual Farm Tours
Take a tour of real farms and see what they’re like
Arts and Crafts
Creativebug
Creativebug.com has more than 1,000 award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. DKPL card required.
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
Daily drawing session with author Mo Willems every weekday at 12pm Central time.
Educational Resources:
Scholastic Learn at Home
Daily projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing. Pre-k and up
Khan Academy
Free resources for ages 4-18, or a free app for ages 2-7. Requires signing up for a free account.
History
Digital Public Library of America
DPLA connects people to the riches held within America’s libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions. All of the materials found through DPLA—photographs, books, maps, news footage, oral histories, personal letters, museum objects, artwork, government documents, and so much more—are free and immediately available in digital format. The cultural institutions participating in DPLA represent the richness and diversity of America itself, from the smallest local history museum to our nation’s largest cultural institutions.
Illinois Digital Archives
The Illinois Digital Archives is a repository for the digital collections of the Illinois State Library as well as other libraries and cultural institutions in the State of Illinois. It contains historical photographs, slides, glass negatives, oral histories, manuscripts, letters, federal government documents, postcards, posters, videos, newspapers, and maps.
Newspapers.com
Newspapers.com is the largest online newspaper archive consisting of 514 million+ pages of historical newspapers from 12,100+ newspapers from around the United States and beyond. Newspapers provide a unique view of the past and can help us understand and connect with the people, events and attitudes of an earlier time. DKPL card required.
Language Learning
Mango Languages
Reach conversational proficiency in 72 languages, including English as a Second Language, good for tourists or beginners. Free app for iOS and Android available. DKPL card required.
Music
Weekday Live Streams with Mr. Jon & Friends
Mr. Jon & Friends will be hosting weekday live streams of music and movement for kids at 9:30 a.m. Central time each day. Watch live, and then come back to re-watch alter as often as you’d like. The live stream events run from Monday, March 16th to Friday, March 27th. You can find all the info on their Facebook page.
The Kennedy Center Digital Stage
Archive of the nation’s busiest performing arts center.
Metropolitan Opera Nightly Met Opera Streams
Daily series of free streaming opera presentations, available to stream from 6:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. the next day.
Reading and Storytimes:
The Dance: A Story of Love, Faith, and Survival
Joan Aubelel will be rescheduling her visit to the library for sometime in late spring or summer. In the meantime, thank you to Joan for making her memoir available to the public!
The Lucky Trikes Storytimes From a Short Distance
Nightly live-streamed storytimes on Facebook Live at 8 p.m. Central Time
Story time with author Mac Barnett
Children’s author Mac Barnett will be reading one of his books out loud, on Instagram Live, every weekday at 2 p.m. Central time until he runs out of books to read.
Stories with author Oliver Jeffers
Artist Oliver Jeffers will be reading one of his books and talking about being a writer every weekday, at 1 p.m. Central time.
Virtual Field Trips
Access Mars
Check out a 360 degree tour of Mars from the Mars Rover
Air Pano
Air Pano is a group of Russian photographers that takes 360 degree photos and videos of important places around the world. Many beautiful places are available to explore.
Discovery Education Virtual Field Trips
STEM field trips to the Johnson Space Center, arctic tundra, and more
The Louvre–Paris
Virtual tours of some of the historic museum’s most famous collections
National Museum of Anthropology–Mexico City
Collections related to the archaeology and history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic civilizations.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art–South Korea
Modern Korean art and design.
The Vatican–Rome
Tour one of the world’s most beautiful buildings.
Yellowstone National Park
Watch live footage of the Mud Volcano, Fountain Paint Pot, and more
Publishers Weekly Makes Resources Free
We will make the digital magazine available to everyone regardless of whether you subscribe starting with the current issue (March 16, 2020).
Everyone can now access the digital edition of PW from www.digitalpw.com or from the PW app on iOS and Android.
Additionally, articles, past bestsellers lists and the reviews database, which includes a search feature and the reviews listed by genre, will be made available to all.
It's Time To Get Serious About Social Distancing. Here's How
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/17/817251610/its-time-to-get-serious-about-social-distancing-here-s-how?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews
Want to access the library’s catalog from your mobile device? You can with the new RSAcat Mobile app! It available for both Android and Apple devices. The RSAcat Mobile app means accessing our catalog is more convenient than ever. Head to the Apple or Google Play Stores, install the free app, and log in with your library card and PIN. (Don't know your PIN? Contact us at 742-2431 and we'll reset it for you!)
The much improved app makes it easy to manage your account, search the catalog, renew checkouts, and place holds. You can also scan the ISBN barcode on the back of a book to see if we have a copy, receive notifications for holds or fees, or search for nearby libraries. The RSAcat Mobile app also features improved accessibility for VoiceOver and larger text sizes.
Brand new features include the ability to link multiple accounts and manage them from the app, so that a parent can link their children’s accounts. Patrons can now also pay fines or bills directly from the app.
Given the unknown, but increasingly problematic, status of the (Wuhan/China) coronavirus, here is a link from the CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/
Dreams Take Flight at Your Local Library portrays children discovering the library and all it has to offer and it features the library's important role in STEM education. Please click the link to see the video on You Tube. https://youtu.be/FaSwEQ5-5T0
Storyline Online is a program of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. The Foundation is a nonprofit organization that relies entirely on gifts, grants and donations to fund Storyline Online and produce all of its videos.
Hula Hoopin Queen was selected by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation for its latest read aloud on Storyline Online, an interactive literacy website where well-known actors read popular, award-winning children’s books to help students fall in love with reading. In this video, media maven Oprah Winfrey reads our picture book The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen by Thelma Godin and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, a charming celebration of family and community ties.
www.storylineonline.net/books/hula-hoopin-queen/
Other Lee & Low titles on Storyline Online include Rent Party Jazz read by Viola Davis, Catching the Moon read by Kevin Costner and Jillian Estell and As Fast As Words Could Fly read by Dulé Hill!
For the Storyline Online Book Collection, click here.
Elmwood's Historical Society was recently part of an interview by Tim Shelby of WCBU radio. You may listen to the interview at https://www.peoriapublicradio.org/post/sculptor-lorado-tafts-legacy-undergoing-quiet-restoration-his-hometown#stream/0
Please check out our two Little Free Libraries. One is located in Central Park near the bench on the NW corner of the park. The other is near the front door of the elementary school (books are not kept in this library during the summer). Please stop by to take a book, leave a book!!
Little Free Libraries a “take a book, return a book” gathering place where neighbors share their favorite literature and stories. In its most basic form, a Little Free Library is a box full of books where anyone may stop by and pick up a book (or two) and bring back another book to share. You can, too! The library will soon have two Little Free Libraries around town. The first Free Little Library was in Hudson WI in 2010. By 2014 there were around 15,000 around the world! Elmwood has become part of this great movement to promote literacy and encourage community. We are so proud to bring this great idea to Elmwood!
The next meeting of the Elmwood Township District Library Board will be held on May 11th at 4:00 PM in the conference room. The April 13th meeting has been cancelled.
The Morrison & Mary Wiley Library is not supported by tax money. A library card is free to Elmwood Township residents due to the generosity of the Morrison & Mary Wiley family. Rosefield Township pays for their residents to have a library card at our library. To register for a card, please bring a photo ID & one other form of identification with your home address (Ameren bill, water bill, etc.). The library issues family cards, so parents must register for the card. Please call 742-2431 with any questions.
The library has the following magazines for patrons to check out:
Birds & Bloom Martha Stewart Living
Country Midwest Living
Country Living People
Country Woman The Pioneer Woman
Cricket Prevention
Family Circle Real Simple
Fine Gardening Reminisce
Good Housekeeping Taste of Home
Good Old Days This Old House
HGTV US Weekly
Jack & Jill Woman’s Day
The books: www.wecountkids.org/ebooks
Free with promo code: Download
You can read all 15 versions of WE COUNT! in book-like (and adorable) story books online, or download the PDF. Feel free to share the address with teachers, partners and families. If you want to embed the books on your OWN website or social media it is not hard to do - give us a holler and we are happy to help !
Activities: www.wecountkids.org/we-count-pdfs
Free with promo code: Download
Kids can color their own WE COUNT! book if you share the link with families. Want to embed it in your site? Want us to print and ship copies to you? Call! We are happy to help!
Teacher's/Parent's Guide
www.wecountkids.org/we-count-pdfs
These early numeracy activities need teacher/parent guidance.
In case anyone is thinking about making their own masks:
https://youtu.be/hFLIhGYDQA4
Things for the kids to do when they are out of school.
https://www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/virtual-museum
https://storytimefromspace.com/
https://www.penguinclassroom.com/
https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/03/activities-kids-coronavirus-quarantine/608110/
17 Apps to Help Kids Stay FocuseApps That Act Like Math and Science Tutors for Homework Help
25 dance games (you might need to buy a special control from Amazon).
Apps, websites, and video games
https://www.harpercollins.com/childrens/harper-at-home/?
utm_source=Publishers+Weekly&utm_campaign=7f4deea3fb-Abrams+-+PWD+-+20170530_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0bb2959cbb-7f4deea3fb-306845093
https://www.readbrightly.com/?
ref=PRH4FB919F7ADC0&linkid=PRH4FB919F7ADC0&cdi=23CF0FA8F3402BF3E0534FD66B0A902E&template_id=16097&aid=randohouseinc9840-20
https://freedomhomeschooling.com/virtual-field-trips/?
fbclid=IwAR3aXQjoxslMt1WPHofcQrD8q5oXC_vKWNTBVdapP9vQ_Z7tGIFcU-0022c
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/free-online-events-activities-kids-at-home-coronavirus? j=7711684&sfmc_sub=170626408&l=2048712_HTML&u=143747069&mid=6409703&jb=891&utm_source=covid19_freeactivities_20200323&utm_medium=email
https://www.khanacademy.org/about/blog/post/611770255064350720/remote-learning-with-khan-academy-during-school
http://clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/astronomy-and-space/218-sky-heroes-an-activity-reinventing-the-constellations.html
https://kids.scholastic.com/kids/books/dav-pilkey-at-home/
https://www.tabletwise.com/class/category/free
Youth and Adults
https://www.laphamsquarterly.org/roundtable/viral-news
Free Educational Apps, Games, and WebsitesTop Time-Management Apps
tips for taking in rapidly changing news
meditation apps for kids and families
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hope-resilience/202003/how-talk-your-kids-about-covid-19
https://www.bookbyte.com/blog/productivity-tips-for-studying-from-home-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic?
utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=studyFromHomeTipsMAR2020
https://archive.org/details/nationalemergencylibrary
Many free online educational resources are available to support student learning. This includes otherwise paid resources which have been available at no cost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Below is a list of some notable resources:
- Beanstalk: Educational materials focused on pre-school aged youth. Free to join during COVID-19 pandemic.
- Britannica Digital Learning: Get free access to Britannica LaunchPacks, for social studies and science, being leveraged by schools across the world who are grappling with shutdowns, conducting virtual lessons, and working to minimize the impact on students, families, and staff.
- Gale Resources to Support Libraries and Educators Impacted by COVID-19: A hub that includes free access to interdisciplinary, curriculum-aligned resources to support online learning from pre-K through undergraduate, as well as ways to optimize your existing resources.
- Mathspace: adaptive math program for grades 3-12 that gives students feedback at every step of their work. Also includes full etextbook aligned to state and common core standards and instructional videos and reporting tools. Any school that has closed during the COVID-19 pandemic is eligible for free access.
- NASA STEM Engagement: A variety of STEM-related videos, homework help, and games from NASA.
- PBS Learning Media: Curated collection of free, standards-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans and more for Illinois teachers.
- Scholastic Teachables: This resource for PreK – 6th Grade offers printable activities for any subject: math, science, reading comprehension, STEM, writing, and beyond. Download printable lesson plans, reading passages, games and puzzles, clip art, bulletin board ideas, teacher supports, and skills sheets. Over 25,000 teacher created, vetted printables to support your instruction.
- User ID: schteachables46
- Password: blue
- ScienceBuddies: Science Buddies offers thousands of free resources for learning STEM, including a collection of 160+ fun, hands-on STEM activities and videos. Each of our K-12 activities covers a specific STEM concept, can be done in an hour or less, and can usually be done with materials easily found at home.
- SpellingCity: Efficient game-based study of literacy skills using any word list. Currently free with code "VSCFree90".
- Tumblebooks: A collection of animated talking picture books, read-alongs, ebooks, quizzes, lesson plans, and educational games.
- Public libraries across North America can email info@tumblebooks.com with subject line Free TumbleBooks in order to receive free links to all three TumbleBook databases so they can be shared and accessed by their patrons from their home
- World Book: World Book databases are free through April 30, as well as online learning support for parents, teachers and caregivers. You will need to fill out an online form to access the databases. Wizard, an adaptive learning resource for math, science, social studies, and language arts, is included with the databases.
Common Sense Launches New Online Resource
Today we're launching a brand-new, free online resource to support families and educators who are transitioning to remote learning as a result of the coronavirus: Wide Open School. Why? There are so many online resources to support kids' educational, emotional, and physical development that Common Sense editors are noticing yet another challenge for parents and educators: How can you find high-quality resources quickly, easily, and in one place?
Curated and coordinated by the experts at Common Sense, Wide Open School is the result of a collaboration among leading publishers, nonprofits, and education and technology companies. Wide Open School features a free collection of the best learning experiences and activities for kids, organized by grade band and subject. You will also find daily schedules with creative breaks and recommendations to keep kids engaged and exploring, one day (or one hour) at a time.
We know that Wide Open School can only fulfill its mission if all kids and families can access it; Common Sense is committed to ensuring connectivity now. And, as always, we will continue to offer guidance and support as you navigate privacy and safety in all you do online.
We, along with our partners, are proud to bring you this new offering to support kids during this critical period. Please visit Wide Open School to take advantage of the best resources available for kids right now.
Go to Wide Open School
Free Access for Patrons to BookBrowse's Premium Content until the End of May
BookBrowse is your guide to exceptional books, providing you with all you need to know about the books that matter.
To enjoy full access to all of BookBrowse for two months:
- Visit: bookbrowse.com/covid
- If asked to login, enter: staysafe
- Catch up on all that's new with our twice-monthly online magazine, The BookBrowse Review.
- Read insightful reviews of recently published books, fiction & nonfiction.
- Explore historical, cultural and contextual aspects of featured books through our "beyond the book" articles.
- Discover what new and notable books are publishing soon.
- Find books by genre, time period, setting and theme.
- Find read-alike suggestions for thousands of books and authors.
- Get ideas and inspiration for your book club.
- Try your hand at our fun literary games.
- And much more!
Valid through May 2020
Starting 3/18/20, LibraryThing.com, both on the web and using our cataloging app, are free to all, to add as many books as you want. And, no, we’re not going to add ads. (We will keep showing a few Google ads to visitors, but they vanish as soon as you become a member.)
- Sign Up
- The LibraryThing app for iOS and Android
- More about LT2
- Our YouTube channel, with demos and such
At any time you may visit https://extension.illinois.edu/global/digital-webinars-and-training for the most current listing of webinars.
Food Nutrition
- April 14, 6:30 PM: Tips and Strategies for Picky Eaters: Autism Awareness Month
- April 15, 1 PM: Emotional Eating: Understanding How Stress Impacts Hunger and Appetite
- April 22, 1 PM: The Science Behind Popular Eating Trends
- May 6, 1 PM: Take Your Kitchen Appliances for a Spin
- May 7, 7 PM: Yes! You Can: Preserving Practice Jams & Jellies Webinar
- May 13, 1 PM: Diabetes: Practicing Self-Car During Difficult Times
- May 14, 10 AM: Yes! You Can: Preserving Practice Jams & Jellies Webinar
- May 20, 1 PM: Cooking for One
- April 7, 6:30 PM: Truths and Lies About Autism: Autism Awareness Month
- April 8, 1 PM: Food Rescue at Home: Reducing Waste and Reusing Leftovers
- April 16, 2 PM: Who Gets Grandma's Pie Plate?
- April 21, 6:30 PM: Sleep and Autism: Autism Awareness Month
- April 23, 2 PM: Being Mindful During Difficult Times
- April 29, 1 PM: Every Step Counts: Getting the Most out of Activity Trackers
- April 30, 2 PM: Someday is Today: Live Your Bucket List
- April 7, 11 AM: Acreage Decisions 2020, farmdoc
- April 7, 1 PM: Uninvited Plant Guests and Fury Pests
- April 7, 6 PM: The Beginning Gardener Webinar Series: Site Selection and Preparation
- April 8, 10:30 AM: Growing Horticulture: How to Plan a Community Garden
- April 9, 6 PM: The Beginning Gardener Webinar Series: Soils
- April 15, 10:30 AM: Growing Horticulture: Drought Tolerant Annuals and Perennials
- April 17, 10 AM: Get Growing: Totally Tomatoes and Perfect Peppers
- April 24, 10 AM: Get Growing: Successful Squash
- April 7, 11 AM: Acreage Decisions 2020, farmdoc
- April 7, 1 PM: Uninvited Plant Guests and Fury Pests
- April 8, 10:30 AM: Plan a Community Garden
- April 14: 6 PM The Beginning Gardener Webinar Series: Plant Selection
- April 15, 10: 30 AM: Drought Tolerant Annuals and Perennials
- April 16, 6 PM: The Beginning Gardener Webinar Series: Plant Nutrition
- April 21, 6 PM: The Beginning Gardener Webinar Series: Succession Planting & Companion Planting
- April 22, 10:30 AM: Growing Horticulture: Big Flavors in Small Spaces: Container Fruits
- April 23, 1 PM: Planting for the Pollinators
- April 23, 6 PM: The Beginning Gardener Webinar Series: Harvesting & Produce Storage
- April 29, 10:30 AM: Growing Horticulture: Berry School Part 1
- April 30, 1 PM: Natural Lawn Care Assessment
- May 6, 10:30 AM: Growing Horticulture: Berry School Part 2
- May 7, 1 PM: More Natural Lawn Care
- May 13, 10:30 AM: Growing Horticulture: Colorful Vegetables
- April 9, 1:30 PM: Sky Spectacles: Atmospheric Oddities
- April 16, 1 PM: Coyotes
- May 14, 1 PM: Managing Waste in the Home
- May 21, 1 PM Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Biennial Report
- June 25, 1 PM, All About Clouds
- April 7, 1 PM: Consumer Behavior in the Global Marketplace in the Time of Coronavirus. Carlos Torelli. Webinar ID: 790-295-586.
- April 22, 2 PM: Ethics in Global Commerce During Coronavirus, Patricia Werhane. Webinar ID: 561-950-310.
- Illinois Extension Horticulture YouTube channel
- Local Government Education archives
- Local Foods Small Farms YouTube channel
- Get Growing: Beyond Dirt (Recorded 4/2/20) Illinois Extension
- Caregiver Self-Care (Recorded 4/2/20) Illinois Extension
- Outlook and Farm Policy Moving Forward, farmdoc
- Global Transportation and Cash Flow Considerations, farmdoc
- Financial Perspectives on Agriculture and Coronavirus, farmdoc
- Virology of the Coronavirus Pandemic and its Impact on the Economy and Agriculture, farmdoc
- Coronavirus Impact on Ag Markets, Planting Decisions, and Agricultural Policy, farmdoc
- Your Personal Finances in a Time of Uncertainty ACE (Recording to come)
- Building Your Resilience: How High Do You Bounce, Illinois Extension
- The Economic Impact of Coronavirus. U of I Gies College of Business
- Where Do We Go From Here, ACE, University of Illinois Agricultural and Consumer Economics
How to Keep Kids Learning When You're All Stuck at Home
Quick tips
Manage your expectations. Your kids will not be learning at the same pace or breadth as a usual school day. Figure two to three hours a day to start. Don't stress too much about this.
Make time for breaks and fun. All of us are anxious as we manage this new reality, so take any opportunity to relax and laugh together. It will make the hard stuff easier.
Set a schedule. Get everyone on the same page so you don't have to nag. Routines can be comforting for everyone.
Review schools' plans. In some cases, schools will have a very specific education plan during closures. Use their instructions as a guide for setting up your schedule.
Morning
Math. About 30 minutes.
Watch a Khan Academy lesson and practice. If your math skills aren't what they used to be, visit Khan Academy's FAQ for tips on how to help your kid with math or get them started on self-directed learning. Here is their Quick Start Guide if you're ready to jump in.
Other math resources:
Reading. 30-60 minutes.
If your kid has a book they're reading in English class, make some progress on that. If not, choose one for fun. If you can't leave the house, Libby connects you to your local library. Punch in your library card number and you have access to a wide range of ebooks kids can access on their Kindle, tablet, or computer.
Other reading apps:
- Marvel Hero Tales
- Weirdwood Manor
- Middle School Confidential
- Reading Rewards
- Epic! - Kids' Books and Videos
Physical education. 30-60 minutes.
Ideally you can get outside and go for a walk or throw a ball around. But if you're stuck indoors, you can follow along to YouTube exercise videos, set up an obstacle course, do some yoga or stretching, or try jumping jacks.
Just Dance 2020 helps tweens and teens work up a sweat while listening to favorite music (you'll need a game console to play it). It has some mature lyrics, so choose something different if that's a concern. More ideas:
Midday
Connect with friends. 30-60 minutes.
Tweens and teens thrive on social connections, so make sure to keep these going even if you aren't allowing in-person time. If they're already on popular social platforms, this might be the time to re-negotiate any time limits so they can get their social fix virtually.
Houseparty is a group video-chat tool that, when used appropriately, can be a fun way for friends to connect and catch up. Other picks:
Afternoon
Creative time. 90-120 minutes.
Bring out the pens and paper! This can be a nice chunk of time off screens. Whatever your kid is into—piano, papier-mâché, playwriting—this is the perfect opportunity to let loose. Of course, there are lots of ways media and tech can support these interests if you choose.
YouTube has an endless amount of instructional content, including music lessons, DIY creators, painting (gotta love Bob Ross!), and more. Keep younger kids in family spaces so you can make sure they are finding quality content. More choices:
Chores. 15-30 minutes.
Every family has a different way of managing household responsibilities. But if you're finding this to be a particularly challenging time to get your kids to help out, you can try some apps that can help them stay organized and give some incentives.
Brili Routines is a task manager with a simple interface that works well for kids who need a little extra push to complete their daily tasks. Parents set up the tasks and then switch to the kid profile before turning it over. Kids earn rewards and learn to better manage their time. Other options:
Evening
Family time
When kids are stressed, they're going to need even more chances to chill out, so this might be a time to relax rules about entertainment media. And while tweens and teens don't always tell you that they need your support, they do. Watching movies or playing games together can be an easy way to be together in a low-stress way. Here are some ideas.
Jackbox Party Packs are collections of games that groups can play using individual devices (phones, tablets, laptops). You can download the game via providers such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Comcast Xfinity X1, and the game network Steam—and then play it from the couch. You can even invite friends and family from afar to join the game while video-chatting. Also try:
- Apps to play with family/friends near and far: Draw Something, Trivia Crack, Words with Friends
- Streaming movies: Netflix: Here are all the best movies streaming right now.
- TV to watch with all ages: Shows that are good for kids of different ages to watch together
- Games that use your tablet as a gameboard: Forbidden Desert, Uno, and Tsuro
Other resources
Helping kids stay focused
If you're concerned that your kid won't be able to stay on task while doing online work, you may need to get some tech help. Here are some options:
- Screen Time (for iOS) and Family Link (for Android): Use these tools in conjunction with your kids' devices to limit what they can do and when.
- Forest: Stay focused, be present
- Bear in Mind App: To Do list, reminders, tasks
- Habitica: Gamified Task Manager
Animals
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s Home Safari Events
Each weekday, starting at 2 p.m. Central time, the Cincinnati Zoo will introduce one of their animals, and include an activity to do at home. Go to Cincinnati Zoo’s Facebook page for the Facebook Live event.
Animal Webcams
Aquarium of the Pacific Webcams
The Aquarium of the Pacific has live images of sharks, sea jellies, fish, and penguins
Monterey Bay Aquarium Webcams
Check in on sea otters, moon jellies, open sea creatures, or a kelp forest.
Houston Zoo Webcams
Watch giraffes, gorillas, elephants, and more
San Diego Zoo Webcams
Live and recorded webcams of pandas, penguins, koalas, and other animals
Virtual Farm Tours
Take a tour of real farms and see what they’re like
Arts and Crafts
Creativebug
Creativebug.com has more than 1,000 award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. DKPL card required.
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
Daily drawing session with author Mo Willems every weekday at 12pm Central time.
Educational Resources:
Scholastic Learn at Home
Daily projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing. Pre-k and up
Khan Academy
Free resources for ages 4-18, or a free app for ages 2-7. Requires signing up for a free account.
History
Digital Public Library of America
DPLA connects people to the riches held within America’s libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions. All of the materials found through DPLA—photographs, books, maps, news footage, oral histories, personal letters, museum objects, artwork, government documents, and so much more—are free and immediately available in digital format. The cultural institutions participating in DPLA represent the richness and diversity of America itself, from the smallest local history museum to our nation’s largest cultural institutions.
Illinois Digital Archives
The Illinois Digital Archives is a repository for the digital collections of the Illinois State Library as well as other libraries and cultural institutions in the State of Illinois. It contains historical photographs, slides, glass negatives, oral histories, manuscripts, letters, federal government documents, postcards, posters, videos, newspapers, and maps.
Newspapers.com
Newspapers.com is the largest online newspaper archive consisting of 514 million+ pages of historical newspapers from 12,100+ newspapers from around the United States and beyond. Newspapers provide a unique view of the past and can help us understand and connect with the people, events and attitudes of an earlier time. DKPL card required.
Language Learning
Mango Languages
Reach conversational proficiency in 72 languages, including English as a Second Language, good for tourists or beginners. Free app for iOS and Android available. DKPL card required.
Music
Weekday Live Streams with Mr. Jon & Friends
Mr. Jon & Friends will be hosting weekday live streams of music and movement for kids at 9:30 a.m. Central time each day. Watch live, and then come back to re-watch alter as often as you’d like. The live stream events run from Monday, March 16th to Friday, March 27th. You can find all the info on their Facebook page.
The Kennedy Center Digital Stage
Archive of the nation’s busiest performing arts center.
Metropolitan Opera Nightly Met Opera Streams
Daily series of free streaming opera presentations, available to stream from 6:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. the next day.
Reading and Storytimes:
The Dance: A Story of Love, Faith, and Survival
Joan Aubelel will be rescheduling her visit to the library for sometime in late spring or summer. In the meantime, thank you to Joan for making her memoir available to the public!
The Lucky Trikes Storytimes From a Short Distance
Nightly live-streamed storytimes on Facebook Live at 8 p.m. Central Time
Story time with author Mac Barnett
Children’s author Mac Barnett will be reading one of his books out loud, on Instagram Live, every weekday at 2 p.m. Central time until he runs out of books to read.
Stories with author Oliver Jeffers
Artist Oliver Jeffers will be reading one of his books and talking about being a writer every weekday, at 1 p.m. Central time.
Virtual Field Trips
Access Mars
Check out a 360 degree tour of Mars from the Mars Rover
Air Pano
Air Pano is a group of Russian photographers that takes 360 degree photos and videos of important places around the world. Many beautiful places are available to explore.
Discovery Education Virtual Field Trips
STEM field trips to the Johnson Space Center, arctic tundra, and more
The Louvre–Paris
Virtual tours of some of the historic museum’s most famous collections
National Museum of Anthropology–Mexico City
Collections related to the archaeology and history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic civilizations.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art–South Korea
Modern Korean art and design.
The Vatican–Rome
Tour one of the world’s most beautiful buildings.
Yellowstone National Park
Watch live footage of the Mud Volcano, Fountain Paint Pot, and more
Publishers Weekly Makes Resources Free
We will make the digital magazine available to everyone regardless of whether you subscribe starting with the current issue (March 16, 2020).
Everyone can now access the digital edition of PW from www.digitalpw.com or from the PW app on iOS and Android.
Additionally, articles, past bestsellers lists and the reviews database, which includes a search feature and the reviews listed by genre, will be made available to all.
It's Time To Get Serious About Social Distancing. Here's How
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/17/817251610/its-time-to-get-serious-about-social-distancing-here-s-how?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews
Want to access the library’s catalog from your mobile device? You can with the new RSAcat Mobile app! It available for both Android and Apple devices. The RSAcat Mobile app means accessing our catalog is more convenient than ever. Head to the Apple or Google Play Stores, install the free app, and log in with your library card and PIN. (Don't know your PIN? Contact us at 742-2431 and we'll reset it for you!)
The much improved app makes it easy to manage your account, search the catalog, renew checkouts, and place holds. You can also scan the ISBN barcode on the back of a book to see if we have a copy, receive notifications for holds or fees, or search for nearby libraries. The RSAcat Mobile app also features improved accessibility for VoiceOver and larger text sizes.
Brand new features include the ability to link multiple accounts and manage them from the app, so that a parent can link their children’s accounts. Patrons can now also pay fines or bills directly from the app.
Given the unknown, but increasingly problematic, status of the (Wuhan/China) coronavirus, here is a link from the CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/
Dreams Take Flight at Your Local Library portrays children discovering the library and all it has to offer and it features the library's important role in STEM education. Please click the link to see the video on You Tube. https://youtu.be/FaSwEQ5-5T0
Storyline Online is a program of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. The Foundation is a nonprofit organization that relies entirely on gifts, grants and donations to fund Storyline Online and produce all of its videos.
Hula Hoopin Queen was selected by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation for its latest read aloud on Storyline Online, an interactive literacy website where well-known actors read popular, award-winning children’s books to help students fall in love with reading. In this video, media maven Oprah Winfrey reads our picture book The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen by Thelma Godin and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, a charming celebration of family and community ties.
www.storylineonline.net/books/hula-hoopin-queen/
Other Lee & Low titles on Storyline Online include Rent Party Jazz read by Viola Davis, Catching the Moon read by Kevin Costner and Jillian Estell and As Fast As Words Could Fly read by Dulé Hill!
For the Storyline Online Book Collection, click here.
Elmwood's Historical Society was recently part of an interview by Tim Shelby of WCBU radio. You may listen to the interview at https://www.peoriapublicradio.org/post/sculptor-lorado-tafts-legacy-undergoing-quiet-restoration-his-hometown#stream/0
Please check out our two Little Free Libraries. One is located in Central Park near the bench on the NW corner of the park. The other is near the front door of the elementary school (books are not kept in this library during the summer). Please stop by to take a book, leave a book!!
Little Free Libraries a “take a book, return a book” gathering place where neighbors share their favorite literature and stories. In its most basic form, a Little Free Library is a box full of books where anyone may stop by and pick up a book (or two) and bring back another book to share. You can, too! The library will soon have two Little Free Libraries around town. The first Free Little Library was in Hudson WI in 2010. By 2014 there were around 15,000 around the world! Elmwood has become part of this great movement to promote literacy and encourage community. We are so proud to bring this great idea to Elmwood!
The next meeting of the Elmwood Township District Library Board will be held on May 11th at 4:00 PM in the conference room. The April 13th meeting has been cancelled.
The Morrison & Mary Wiley Library is not supported by tax money. A library card is free to Elmwood Township residents due to the generosity of the Morrison & Mary Wiley family. Rosefield Township pays for their residents to have a library card at our library. To register for a card, please bring a photo ID & one other form of identification with your home address (Ameren bill, water bill, etc.). The library issues family cards, so parents must register for the card. Please call 742-2431 with any questions.
The library has the following magazines for patrons to check out:
Birds & Bloom Martha Stewart Living
Country Midwest Living
Country Living People
Country Woman The Pioneer Woman
Cricket Prevention
Family Circle Real Simple
Fine Gardening Reminisce
Good Housekeeping Taste of Home
Good Old Days This Old House
HGTV US Weekly
Jack & Jill Woman’s Day
